HESI RN
HESI Medical Surgical Exam
1. A client is hospitalized with heart failure (HF). Which intervention should the nurse implement to improve ventilation and reduce venous return?
- A. Perform passive range of motion exercises
- B. Place the client in high Fowler's position
- C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
- D. Increase the client's activity level
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In clients with heart failure, placing them in high Fowler's position is beneficial as it helps reduce venous return and improve ventilation. This position aids in decreasing the workload on the heart by promoting better lung expansion and oxygenation. Passive range of motion exercises (Choice A) are not directly related to improving ventilation or reducing venous return. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula (Choice C) may help with oxygenation but does not directly address reducing venous return. Increasing the client's activity level (Choice D) may worsen heart failure symptoms by increasing the workload on the heart.
2. During menopause, what do ovaries stop producing?
- A. Progesterone and Estrogen
- B. Prolactin
- C. Human chorionic gonadotropin
- D. Oxytocin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During menopause, the ovaries stop producing progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone and estrogen are hormones essential for the menstrual cycle and reproductive functions. Prolactin is a hormone responsible for milk production in the breasts and is not primarily produced by the ovaries. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced during pregnancy to support the production of progesterone and estrogen. Oxytocin is a hormone involved in labor and breastfeeding, not primarily produced by the ovaries.
3. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a suspected myocardial infarction. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Chest pain radiating to the left arm.
- B. Shortness of breath.
- C. Nausea and vomiting.
- D. Diaphoresis.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Shortness of breath is a critical sign that can indicate heart failure or pulmonary edema, conditions that require immediate intervention in a client with a suspected myocardial infarction. Chest pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction but may not necessitate immediate intervention compared to severe shortness of breath. Nausea and vomiting can be present in myocardial infarction but are not as urgent as shortness of breath. Diaphoresis, or sweating, is a common symptom of a myocardial infarction but may not be as immediately concerning as significant shortness of breath.
4. A client with hyperthyroidism is receiving radioactive iodine therapy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following side effects?
- A. Hypothyroidism
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hyponatremia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine therapy is used to treat hyperthyroidism by destroying thyroid tissue and reducing hormone production. This can lead to an underactive thyroid, resulting in hypothyroidism. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is an elevated potassium level, usually not associated with radioactive iodine therapy. Hyponatremia (choice C) is a low sodium level, which is also not a common side effect of this therapy. Hypercalcemia (choice D) is an elevated calcium level, unrelated to radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism.
5. A client presents to the emergency department with a severe exacerbation of asthma. The nurse notes that the client is using accessory muscles to breathe and has an oxygen saturation of 86%. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position
- B. Obtain a peak flow reading
- C. Administer a bronchodilator
- D. Administer oxygen therapy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The first priority in an acute asthma exacerbation is to administer oxygen to improve the client's oxygen saturation. In this scenario, the client has a low oxygen saturation level of 86%, indicating hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening. Administering oxygen therapy will help improve oxygenation and support vital organ function. Once the oxygen levels are stabilized, further interventions such as bronchodilators can be implemented. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position may also be beneficial, but ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence in this critical situation. Obtaining a peak flow reading is important for asthma management but is not the first intervention needed in a client with severe hypoxemia.